By Rita Thompson Tinsley
When local merchant and seasoned horsewoman Jessica Daugherty inquired about 4H leaders serving the local community, she discovered there was a void.
Being the recipient of a decade-long involvement with her local 4H club in Montana, Jessica recognized the need for a 4H Horse project in our very horsey environment.
She spearheaded the development of a 4H Horse Project to serve both Ash Fork Sunset and the Prescott Shamrock Hustlers, two clubs that come together with practices and meetings hosted at Chino Valley Equestrian Park (CVEP).
According to the Park’s President Trudy Ruth, CVEP has generously provided sponsorships to each of the 4H members for them to access CVEP’s top-of-the-line horse facility, which includes a main arena for them to use, complete with outdoor lighting, and a warm-up arena.
The Horse Project venue features teachings and demonstrations from professionals such as an equine dental veterinarian, a farrier, experts on saddles/horse tack, and numerous other areas where the kids can learn hands-on all about the horse.
The 4H clover represents the organization’s 4H’s which are all included in their pledge: I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS to larger service, and my HEALTH to better living.
According to their website, 4H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime.
Project Leader Jessica Daugherty fully believes, “You should engross yourself in something you are passionate about.” And engross, she did.
While attending the University of Montana on scholarship, she brought along three horses and two goats. For Jessica, it was important to do and learn about everything horse.
However, she states, “4H Horse is not a riding club. You learn about bookkeeping, putting on demonstrations, public speaking and, importantly, public service”. The 4H programs really set kids up for adulthood, with an emphasis on community.
As of 2025, Jessica’s 4H Horse Project has grown to fifteen active members. As membership grows, the need for volunteers has become imperative. Luckily, as it goes with kids and horses, you see regular participation with parents who help by transporting the horses to meetings, practices and events.
Dads are especially key in moving large and heavy objects to or from the arena, such as obstacles from a practice course.
Rochelle Hawkins has been a vital contribution to the project coming from a background with Future Farmers of America (FFA) with valuable animal knowledge and know-how. Jessica believes that both 4H and FFA are the foundations of America.
The kids in the 4H Horse Project are continually learning and practicing their riding skills and have competed in local equestrian shows. Jessica is lining up a special 4H sanctioned horse show for two Saturdays in the spring which will be open to 4H Horse kids statewide.
Last June, the kids acted as volunteers serving local veterans at a complimentary Veteran’s Luncheon at Essence Kitchen in Chino Valley. They served meals, bussed tables, and took care of the needs of our local veterans while all gratuity was donated to the Yavapai County 4H Horse Project.
Last July, the kids became involved with the annual Prescott parade, serving as the all-popular parade pooper scoopers where they learned that some of the most important jobs begin with a shovel or a rake.
These opportunities afforded to our 4H youth serve the purpose of developing leadership, responsibility, citizenship and other greatly valued life skills. Here’s to the 4H project that sprouted knowledge and fun with H-clover number 5: Horse.
